Nominations Sought for 2015 Governor's Service Awards

 Nominations Sought for 2015 Governor’s Service Awards

Individuals, organizations, and businesses committed to service and volunteerism to be honored

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is pleased to announce that nominations are being sought for the 2015 Governor’s Service Awards. The Governor’s Service Awards are given annually by the governor to individuals, organizations, and businesses from around Michigan to acknowledge their commitment to serving their communities through volunteerism. This marks the 23rd year of the awards, which will be presented at a celebration organized by the MCSC.

“Through caring acts of service and an unending do-something spirit, our state’s volunteers strengthen neighborhoods, improve our communities, and increase opportunities for our youth, making Michigan a place we are proud to call home,” commented Governor Rick Snyder.  “This is a great opportunity to recognize these outstanding men and women who give their time selflessly. I encourage you to nominate an individual, organization or business in your community for a Governor’s Service Award.”

In 2015, awards will be presented in eight categories which reflect the diverse nature of volunteers throughout the state. The categories are:

 Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism – honors an individual who has shown a lifelong commitment to community involvement and volunteerism.

• Corporate Community Leader Award – honors corporations and businesses that excel in community involvement and demonstrate excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to their community in a variety of ways.

• Outstanding National Service Program Award – honors an organization that provides a high-quality national service program which yields a significant impact in a Michigan community.

• Outstanding Volunteer Program Award – honors organizations or clubs that make a positive contribution to community life.
• Mentor of the Year – honors an individual who has made a significant difference in a child’s life through mentoring.

• Senior Volunteer of the Year – honors individuals who are 65 and older who has taken action to make their community a better place to live through service.

• Volunteer of the Year – honors an individual who strives to improve the lives of neighbors, friends, community or congregation through volunteerism.

• Youth Volunteer of the Year – honors individuals age 21 or younger who have already begun making a significant difference in their community through service.

The Governor’s Service Awards celebration will be held June 29 in Grand Rapids and will recognize five finalists, including the award winner, in each of the eight categories. This will be Governor Snyder’s fifth year of involvement in the Governor’s Service Awards, which were launched by Governor John Engler in 1992 and maintained yearly by subsequent governors.

The 2015 Governor’s Service Awards Nomination Form is now available for download at www.michigan.gov/volunteer. Nominations must be postmarked or electronically submitted to GSA@michigan.gov by February 27, 2015. For additional information or questions, please contact Janice Harvey at the MCSC by phone at (517) 241- 4040 or by email at harveyj1@michigan.gov.

BACKGROUND

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) utilizes service as a strategy to address the state's most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities. In 2014-2015, the MCSC is granting more than $7 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities, including funding 25 AmeriCorps. The Governor’s Service Awards, Volunteer Michigan and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC.

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